[Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma--the limits and advantages of sonography]

29 patients with carcinoma of the larynx and the hypopharynx were evaluated not only for staging cervical lymph nodes but also for classification of the primary tumour. With appropriate technique it is possible to assess tumour infiltration (T4) of surrounding tissue of the larynx at all levels. Tumour classification T1 to T3 is possible in patients with tumour of the epiglottis (regio supraglottis, UICC). The endolaryngeal tumour T1 to T3 (regio glottis and subglottis, UICC) still remains the domain of the microlaryngoscopy. The limits of the method are apparent in hypopharynx carcinomas where in only 50% of the patients the tumour could be assessed.